i have no idea what to wear!

Written By Leslie Scotto Events

Very exciting! For the first time in two years, you have been invited to a Party.  It could be for work, at a friend’s, for your kid’s school, whatever.  The problem is that you have no idea what the invitation says to wear. I swear people make it up and expect guests to know what to wear.

The good news? I can help.  As an event planner for almost 20 years, I have tried to get hosts to make it simple and keep it easy, but often I need to translate attire for guests.

Here are a few of the most popular for holiday parties:

cocktail

This is slightly less formal than black tie optional, which means no tux required for men and no floor-length gown required for women.

He should wear:

  • A suit, or a shirt and tie with dressy slack. Lean toward darker hues in chillier months, and feel free to opt for lighter grays or blues in warmer weather.

She should wear:

  • A short cocktail dress, dressy suit or jumpsuit.  When in doubt, wear a little black dress and dress it up with fun jewelry—or, if you’d rather wear color, opt for something bright and fun.

Dressy casual or casual chic

This is an invitation to wear that cute weekend look that you love. Slightly more dressed-up than your most casual look, this form of attire is asking you to show off your style. Choose cute separates, such as a skirt and short-sleeve, a button-up shirt, and add all kinds of accessories, from jewelry and scarves to quirky sandals and hats. DO NOT wear shorts, sneakers or polos. No jeans or t-shirts. Dress to impress, but like you didn’t try too hard.

He should wear:

  • Dress pants with a button-down, tie optional. Or a funky jacket with a more casual buttoned shirt.

She should wear:

  • A summer sundress or a skirt or pants with a nice blouse. Makeup and hair can be natural.

Semi Formal

This dress code calls for a just slightly dressier version of your most casual look or more formal than what you would wear to the office, somewhere between formal and casual. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening party; opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime event.  Keep in mind that semi-formal still has the word "formal" in the description. You still want to look elegant and sophisticated.

He should wear:

  • A suit, dark or light depending on the season and time of day or dinner jacket and slacks can also be worn. Consider adding a little flair with an elegant pocket square or wristwatch.

She should wear:

  • A cocktail dress (perfect for a little black dress) or a dressy skirt and top. A well-tailored pantsuit or a dressy jumpsuit paired with tasteful jewelry is also an excellent option. 

My advice in the end is to wear what you want to and whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and fabulous!  You deserve to have a great time! 

For more information on cracking the invitation attire code beyond the holidays, check out my page: What Should I Wear. 

Credit: Illustrations by Carly Sponzo. For more check out her stuff on her website and Instagram!

Leslie Scotto Events

I am living proof that you should follow your heart and it will lead you to what you were meant to do.  It sounds so cliché, but everything I have done has led me to this.

I have always loved entertaining + a degree in Political Science (thank you William & Mary) + 10 years of marketing (from toilet paper to tequila) + MBA in marketing & logistics (Go Bucks!) + 4 yrs of owning a store (Budding Gourmet) + luck, support and hard work = almost 20 years of event planning and Leslie Scotto Events! 

For pretty much my whole life, I have been the social coordinator of family and freinds.  From watching my mom plan amazing theme birthday parties for us, to college parties for my sorority, to having parties at my house or just gathering friends, I am at my happiest when surrounded by people having fun! Many folks told me that I would be a great party planner...so eventually I believed them, and quit my corporate job and the rest is history!

I am the daughter of a business owner and a kindergarten teacher along with three siblings.  That means I was raised to work hard, appreciate what you get for that hard work, let your creativity shine and express yourself!  I grew up in a true neighborhood community in New Jersey where your neighbors were like cousins and your friends were everything. Maybe that is why every client is like family to me.  I am honored and humbled to be a part of special days that are part of your history. We will often work together for many months (and even years) so it's inevitable that we will get to know each other very well...becoming family.  

I give you my word that I will do everything I can to make all your dreams come true.  I promise that we will have fun and laugh, as well as work hard to make sure your event is what you want.  Even when it is hard to hear, I will always be honest with you and expect the same.  I will always have your back and will always be thankful for letting me work with you.

Let's grab a cup of coffee and plan a party...

https://www.lesliescottoevents.com/
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